Finds galore as Anstey's dig captures public imagination

An archeological dig has revealed foundations of demolished cottages, as well as animal bones and Roman pottery.

About 115 people took part in Anstey's Big Dig on July 26 and 27, which unveiled new clues about the village's past.

Pits were dug in more than 30 spots around Anstey.

The majority in people's gardens and three or four were in public spaces, such as by the Pack Horse Bridge.

Dr Julie Attard, the dig's project manager, said the event was a huge success and finds are now being cleaned and recorded.

"We'll be back in Anstey next month with our findings," said Dr Attard.

"It was a truly inter-generational event. The youngest participant was about four, and the oldest in her mid-80s.

"Some volunteers got involved in the digging and recording of their test-pit, while others helped with washing and processing the finds."

Jenny Mulligan, 34, of Anstey, was one of the residents who took part and also volunteered her garden.

Her husband, Danny, and her two children Megan, nine, and James, seven, were also involved in the digging.

Danny said: "We were digging in our back garden as our property backs on to the old mill and Julie thought there might be something of interest.

"It was really interesting and the whole event was really well organised."

Jenny got involved in the dig by responding to a piece in the local newsletter asking for volunteers to take part.

In her garden, she said bits of pottery were found, as well as a penny from 1971 and fragments of flint from early tool making, among other things.

Jenny said she hoped this would happen again in the future.

"I am hoping we can carry it on.

"We were talking at the time about starting an archeology society," she said.

Jenny's daughter Megan said she enjoyed the dig and working together with her brother.

"My favourite part was that I got to ask the archeologists a lot of different questions.

"It was really fascinating because you got to see what was in our garden, that we didn't realise was there before."

The dig was part of the Charnwood Roots project, which explores how people lived, worked and enjoyed the Charnwood area across the centuries.

Supporting the dig were archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), the Charnwood Roots team, and Leicestershire County Council's Portable Antiquities Scheme, which aims to advance the knowledge of the history and archaeology of England and Wales. Members of the Leicestershire's Young Archaeologists Club also took part.